Our first ever Sparkle Steps raises over £12,500!

We are delighted to say that our first ever Sparkle Steps event raised an enormous £12,500 as part of our ‘Spring in your Step’ challenge, more than doubling its original £5,000 target.

The fundraiser, which took place from 11th – 20th March, saw participants running, walking, cycling and even using scooters to help raise money and support vulnerable children in Malawi.

Individuals were required to reach ten miles in ten days as part of the campaign, but many chose to extend this, including former Kingstonian FC player Adam ‘Thommo’ Thompson who opted to run and cycle 100 miles in 10 days. As part of his monumental efforts, Thommo raised an incredible £2,100 for Sparkle.


Thommo commented: “The Kingstonian Football Club has long established links with Sparkle Malawi and it was an absolute delight to take part in the Sparkle Steps challenge to raise much needed funds. Over the 10 days, I met up with several former Kingstonian players en route, all socially distanced of course! I can’t thank those who have supported me on this journey enough – I’m truly humbled by everyone’s generosity.”


Matching the efforts of Thommo is seven-year-old Ralph Rowley from Lytham St Anne’s, Lancashire, and who raised an incredible £2,000 by walking a mile every day. He opted to support The Sparkle Foundation as part of his Beavers personal challenge award, fitting in his walks before and after school, even doing so one day in his pyjamas following World Book Day.


Sarah Brook, Founder and CEO at The Sparkle Foundation, said: “I would like to personally thank both Thommo and Ralph and all our supporters for their outstanding efforts to raise funds for The Sparkle Foundation. For us, the Spring in your Step challenge was about bringing individuals closer to nature and closer together emotionally, given the tremendous circumstances we’ve all experienced over the past year.


“It was a delight to see all those who participated truly going the extra mile for Sparkle. From walking, running, cycling and swimming to skateboarding, using a scooter and more, everyone who participated will make a real difference to vulnerable children in Malawi. After such a difficult year, we are so proud of the efforts everyone, whether participant or donor, has made to help The Sparkle Foundation. Thank you!”


African children in a classroom setting. A little girl is holding a book and looking at the camera

Learning Poverty: The Silent Crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa

By Alexandr Tsarev • March 16, 2026
Malawi faces a severe learning crisis, but quality education and free secondary schooling offer hope for empowering children and shaping a stronger future.

NAMA Women Advancement Teams Up with The Sparkle Foundation for Sustainable Transformation in Malawi

By Talhia Le Berre • March 9, 2026
In Malawi, the journey to economic independence is often hindered long before adulthood begins. Only 16% of children start secondary school , and of these, just a quarter graduate . For girls and rural communities, these numbers drop even further. Families struggle to pay school fees, students walk long distances to reach classrooms, and overcrowded schools stretch limited resources. These challenges do more than affect educational outcomes — they reinforce cycles of poverty that limit opportunities for women and youth for generations. Many face restricted access to employable skills, financial literacy, mentorship, and capital , while societal norms too often undermine their confidence and voice. At The Sparkle Foundation, we believe that when women and guardians thrive, children flourish. That’s why we are proud to announce a powerful new collaboration driving sustainable change. A Partnership with Purpose: NAMA Women Advancement x The Sparkle Foundation We're honoured to partner with NAMA Women Advancement, a UAE-based organisation committed to elevating women’s economic participation and building inclusive, resilient communities worldwide. Together, we have launched Spark to Success , a two-year initiative that will uplift 200 underserved women, youth, and their families in Zomba, Malawi by equipping them with practical skills, financial tools, and pathways to economic independence. This project focuses on the mothers and guardians of children enrolled in our Early Childhood Development programme, the pillars of their households and communities. When they have access to dignified, sustainable livelihoods, entire families are strengthened. About the Spark to Success Initiative Spark to Success tackles systemic barriers head-on by delivering a diverse range of vocational and business-building skills, including: Tailoring Information Technology Weaving Solar panel installation Sustainable farming Financial literacy Business mentorship Career counselling By the end of the programme: 100 participants will launch their own small enterprises through seed funding 100 will be supported to pursue meaningful employment opportunities The ripple effect is enormous, reaching approximately 1,200 people as families gain access to better nutrition, financial stability, and improved educational pathways for their children. Early Impact: Skills Delivered, Confidence Built Though the programme is still in its early stages, the transformation has already begun. 28 women across two villages have completed Solar Panel Installation Training Over 50 participants have received Financial Literacy and Business Development coaching Not only are these women gaining technical expertise, but they are also building confidence, financial autonomy, and the power to lead change within their communities. This is what sustainable transformation looks like. Gratitude to NAMA Women Advancement We extend our heartfelt thanks to NAMA Women Advancement for their trust, commitment, and belief in our mission. Your partnership is more than a collaboration. It is a catalyst for generational change. Together, we are demonstrating a powerful truth : When you empower a woman, you strengthen a family. When families are stable, children thrive. And when children thrive, communities transform. This is not short-term aid. This is long-term, lasting impact.

The Power of a School Meal: Strength for Learning and Life

By Madalitso Gamphani • September 26, 2025
Imagine being a young child, sitting in class with an empty stomach. The teacher is speaking, but the words drift past without meaning. Your mind is on the hunger gnawing at you, not on the lesson. When break time comes, instead of running to play with your friends, you sit quietly, too tired to join in. Hunger steals more than just food. It takes away concentration, joy, and the chance to thrive. Now, imagine the same child after receiving a simple, nutritious school meal. Suddenly, the story changes. With a full stomach, their mind sharpens. They can focus on the teacher’s voice, write neatly in their exercise book, and raise their hand with confidence. At break time, they laugh, run, and play with friends. That meal does more than fill an empty belly. It fuels learning, energy, and growth. At The Sparkle Foundation, we see this transformation every day. We provide nutritious meals to about 240 children daily. Our preschool children receive both breakfast and lunch, giving them the energy they need to start the day well and the strength to keep learning and playing throughout the day. For our primary school children, we provide lunch before they begin their afternoon lessons, ensuring they can sit in class with full stomachs and clear minds.